Socitm and Eduserv launch shared services audit tool for councils

Online platform will help assess readiness for new engagements and performance of existing deals

Socitm and Eduserv have teamed up to create a free tool to help local authorities get the most out of shared-services initiatives.

The industry body and the non-profit public and third sector technology provider have launched the Readiness Assessment for a Shared service Programme (RASP) online platform. The site allows councils to evaluate how ready they are to undertake a shared-services programme, as well as offering a “health check” of existing arrangements, and tools to analyse the benefits and risks of bringing a new party into an incumbent agreement.

Martin Ferguson, director of policy and research at Socitm, said: “Shared services is an important topic for Socitm. As more local authorities engage in partnerships, there are many pitfalls to be overcome and opportunities to be had. It’s important for citizens that these partnerships succeed and time and money is well spent.”

Organisations using RASP to assess current and potential shared-services engagements will get a top-level score, and a detailed report into strengths and weaknesses across five areas: shared vision; ethos and cultures; treatment of resources; risk management; and governance. The platform, which can be found at www.eduserv.org.uk/rasp, was developed following conversations with about 50 senior figures at local authorities.

Natasha Veenendaal, programme manager for the Eduserv Executive Briefing Programme, which developed the tool, said: “Shared services are already common across the public sector and in the future it is unlikely that local authorities can function unless they work more collaboratively with neighbouring service providers. In our work with local authorities, the Executive Briefing Programme has uncovered many potential pitfalls to be overcome throughout the lifecycle of a shared service programme.”